Audi Announces Fancy & Affordable Q4 e-tron & Q4 Sportback e-tron

With a starting price under $45K USD, the Q4 e-tron blends plush amenities for range or performance-minded buyers.

Audi this week unveiled its latest EVs, the 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. Pricing starts under $45,000 US (not including the $7,500 tax credit). And Audi plans to ship both compact SUVs to dealerships by the end of this year.

For those less familiar with Audis naming schemes, Sportback models swap out boxy SUV rear ends for swooping, fastback style. Yes, there’s a loss in cargo capability. But they tend to look more like coupes or sedans. And, in the case of drag coefficients, the Q4 Sportback e-tron manages a 0.26. (That’s 0.02 better than the standard Q4 e-tron.)

Both models utilize “unique sculpted side mirrors further enhance aerodynamics as well as acoustics.” They also share a similar wheelbase and interior volume as the Q5, but enjoy added passenger legroom because there’s no center drivetrain tunnel running through the cabin. As with all EVs, the Q4 e-tron siblings tuck the battery pack into the floor. This design lowers the center of gravity, improving handling.

Q4 e-tron EV Performance & Range

While Audi plans for three drive variants for Europe, here in the US, we appear to be getting two. The Q4 40 e-tron will be available as a rear-wheel-drive 150kW with a 250-mile range.

Step up to the Q4 50 e-tron quattro or Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro for dual-motor all-wheel drive with a maximum output of 220 kW. Range estimates have not been listed, but Audi plans to maximize efficiency by only engaging the front wheels when situations require extra traction. In terms of speed, the Euro-spec Q4 50 e-tron is capable of hitting 100km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.2 seconds. Audi lists tops speed as 180 km/h (111.8 mph). That puts the Q4 50 e-tron in line with the slowest Mustang Mach-E, the rear-wheel-drive big battery configurations.

The Q4 e-tron family will be able to use 125 kW capacity fast charging with the Q4 40 e-tron models capable of charging 80.8 miles in as little as 10 minutes.

Audi Q4 e-tron Features & Safety

Audi promises that all Q4 e-tron iterations will offer a “driver-oriented cockpit,” which includes an optional race-inspired flat-top and bottom steering wheel. The vehicles’ main interface is a 10.1 MM1 infotainment touch display. There’s also 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. And Audi even offers an optional augmented reality head-up display. (They call it a “virtual cockpit.”)

From the MM1 display, drivers can customize almost everything. The Audi drive select system offers different driving profiles — Efficiency, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual. For music fans, Audi collaborated with SONOS on a new premium sound system.

Outside the Q4, owners can opt for Matrix design LED headlights. These allow you to choose one of four daytime running light signatures. (See below.) Out back, a “light strip links the taillight units to each other and is available with animated coming-home and leaving-home functions.”

For safety-minded customers, Audi offers a plethora of driver aids. Available surround-view cameras, pre-sense, side and lane assist, and high beam assist. There’s even a Traffic Jam assist as well as adaptive cruise assist.

Stay tuned for more e-tron EV news and review right here at ElectricVehicleForums.com

Photos: Audi